When you're starting your shaved ice or snow cone business, you'll have to stock up on supplies to get started. The basics include a shaved ice machine, cups, spoons, napkins and, of course, some delicious flavored syrups to pour over that fluffy shaved ice. But, with so many flavors to choose from, how do you know where to start? Which ones should you buy for your business?

Our top three selling flavors are cherry, blue raspberry, and grape, so these are the perfect syrups to add to your order first. After those three, your flavor menu is a little bit of trial and error. Select some flavors and see which ones are ordered most frequently by your customers. When you place your next order, consider replacing some of your lower sellers with new flavors.

Another idea is to ask your customers. What flavors would they like to see on your menu? You can verbally ask customers as they check out, or you can formalize the process by asking customers to write ideas down on paper.

If you want to expand your menu without having to add additional syrup flavors, consider creating your own "recipes" by mixing flavors that you have on hand. Experiment on your own or try some of our favorite flavor combinations. We also love picadilly snow cones, egg custard shaved ice (which is especially popular in Maryland), Barbie snow cones, and the more traditional rainbow snow cone.

And don't forget the toppings! You can charge customers additional money for each topping they add to their snow cone or shaved ice treat. For example, a few sprays of Sour Bite Spray can transform any flavor into something completely new.

Many of our syrups are available in pints, quarts, and gallons. So whether you want to stock up on a flavor that you know will be a menu staple or if you want to buy a flavor just to try for a limited time, we have the right sized syrup for you. Still not sure which flavors to buy for your snow cone or shaved ice business? Get in touch with a member of the Hawaiian Shaved Ice team, and we would be happy to help.